Iain asked about Xerophyllum tenax, commonly known as "beargrass." Though not a bulbous plant and not a geophyte, it is often discussed along with the bulbous monocots. This plant is widespread in the American West, usually growing above the winter snow line in conifer woodland and clearings. It tolerates some shade but flowers best after the tree cover is removed by fire, logging, or windstorms. It is very slow-growing from seed and might take as long as 12 years to flower. It grows in rocky soils of mostly volcanic origin where there is very good drainage. It is usually wet in fall, snow-covered in winter, wet in spring, and very dry in summer. It is rarely seen in gardens, even in my area where it is indigenous at higher elevations. Some populations of Xerophyllum are threatened by the collection of the foliage for the florist industry, for which it is shipped worldwide. Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon, USA